Looking for a gentle, compassionate dentist in Pittsburgh

December 3, 2010 8:44 AM

Please help me find a kind, patient, gentle dentist in the South Hills of Pittsburgh (Mt.Lebanon/Dormont/Brookline area preferred but not required). I don't have anyone who can give me a personal referral, and I suffer from a lot of fear and anxiety w/r/t dental work, so it's been a while since I've had any. If I could find one who still uses nitrous oxide it'd be even better. Many thanks in advance!
posted by FormerMermaid to health & fitness (7 answers total)

A friend found such a dentist in Seattle by looking through the ads in the old-fashioned, paper Yellow Pages. Along with name and address, dental specialties are often listed.
posted by Carol Anne at 9:03 AM on December 3, 2010

My wife goes to Gentle Dentle in Canonsburg. A little further south than you're asking for, though.
posted by dforemsky at 9:30 AM on December 3, 2010

Can't speak to your region, but I've walked into a large practice before and asked the intake staff "I have aLOT of anxiety about the dentist--who should I see who would be good with that?"

When my I called a new dentist office for Mr Vitabellosi, I did the same thing--described the situation, asked who he should see, and then I asked her to please write something in the chart to let the dentist know that he has "dental anxiety."

Most office staff want to be on your side and help you out.
posted by vitabellosi at 10:17 AM on December 3, 2010

My recommendation would be Paul Hess. He's on 88 near Connor Road. I don't have phobias regarding dentistry, so I'm not the best judge of that, but I can safely say that Dr. Hess is my favorite health care practitioner that I've ever had. Give them a call, see if they seem like a good fit for you.
posted by bfranklin at 10:23 AM on December 3, 2010

Do a search in your area for "sedation dentistry", those that practice it are usually tuned into people that are a bit phobic about dental care and go to extremes to overcome that and make it as painless as possible, even if they aren't using any sedation.

Good luck, and, it probably won't be as bad as you think it will be...
posted by HuronBob at 6:31 PM on December 3, 2010

I have been going to Sean Simon on Castle Shannon Blvd (near Mt. Lebanon) for the past ten years. I have had a lot of dental work done. He is by far my favorite person to have touched my teeth. I always put off having anything checked out until I come home to Pittsburgh, that is how awesome he is.

I don't know whether or not nitrous oxide is available at his office. It's a relatively small practice and they provide a lot of personal attention. I can't recommend Dr. Simon highly enough.
posted by amicamentis at 4:48 AM on December 6, 2010

There's definitely someone who does frequent radio ads for 'sedation dentistry' in Pittsburgh--if you're not into spending lots of time listening to ClearChannel radio, give it a google.

If you're willing to come into Oakland, Melnick is good and accredited by the American Academy of Pain Management. "I realize that a dental appointment is often a time of anxiety. A number of different techniques are available including IV conscious sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, premedication with sedatives, topical anesthetic and the Syrijet-a means of administering local anesthetic without a needle."
posted by FlyingMonkey at 9:11 AM on December 26, 2010